The suggestion lands and you notice a quick tightening.

The boxes are still there. The shelf is finished.

You don’t answer right away.

Just long enough to feel your weight settle.

“I haven’t had time to think about where everything should go yet,” you say.

“You can start if you want, and I’ll come back to it later.”

Your partner nods and opens a box.

The room changes in sections. Some areas stay open while others fill.

A few things are placed; others are left where they are on purpose.

Your attention widens. Nothing needs to be accounted for yet.

You stay nearby, watching it take shape.

When there’s a pause, it feels chosen.

The project continues.

The openness holds a little longer.